Companies and government agencies ban smoking in 2013

WASHINGTON – Those who are craving a smoke will have a harder time finding a legal place to light up after the New Year. More companies and government agencies are ramping up restrictions on spots where smoking is allowed.

A recent article in the Wall Street Journal reports that employees of 3M and Delaware’s state government will not be able to take a smoke break at work, including in parking lots, sidewalks and other outdoor areas on state property.

In addition, North Dakota banned smoking in most public places.

Bans are taking place locally as well. The University of Maryland, American University and George Washington University are going tobacco-free on campus in 2013.

The article also reports that the number of Americans who smoke has decreased over the past 10 years. According to a 2011 poll by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 19 percent of Americans smoke. That number is down from 23 percent in 2001.